Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?

It depends on location, size, and whether the tree impacts public right-of-way or protected species; contact the Planning Division to confirm.

How long does a permit take?

Processing times vary by complexity; check the Planning Division page for current timelines and expedited review options.

What if the city removes a hazardous tree?

The city may remove immediate hazards in the public right-of-way and may bill the adjacent property owner if removal is due to private property conditions; contact Code Enforcement for a formal determination.

San Bernardino Tree Planting & Removal Rules

Land Use and Zoning California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026

San Bernardino, California residents and property managers must follow city rules when planting, pruning, or removing public and private trees. This guide explains when a permit is required, which city department enforces the rules, how to apply, typical penalties, and practical steps to comply with San Bernardino municipal requirements.

Who enforces tree permits

The Community Development Department and Code Enforcement administer tree permits, review removal requests on private property adjacent to public rights-of-way, and coordinate with Parks and Public Works for street trees. See the municipal code and planning permit pages for official procedures Municipal Code^[1] and the Planning Division permit page Planning - Community Development^[2].

When permits are required

Removal of a tree in the public right-of-way or within a required setback often requires a permit.
Significant pruning or removal on private property that affects visibility, utilities, or historic specimens may trigger review.
Construction or grading near established trees requires protection plans.

Always check with Planning before trimming trees adjacent to city sidewalks or streets.

Penalties & Enforcement

The city enforces tree regulations through citations, stop-work orders, restoration or replacement orders, and civil or criminal penalties under the municipal code. Specific fines and escalation steps are not fully itemized on the cited pages; see the municipal code for the controlling provisions and contact the enforcement office for amounts and procedures Municipal Code^[1].

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first offence, repeat, and continuing violations - not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: restoration, replacement planting, stop-work or abatement orders; property liens or court actions may follow.
Enforcer: Community Development Department / Code Enforcement; inspections initiated by complaint or routine review.
To report or request inspection, use the city code enforcement contact on the Planning or Code Enforcement page.

If you remove a tree without approval the city may order replacement or levy penalties.

Applications & Forms

Permit names, forms, fees, and submission methods are maintained by the Planning Division; the cited Planning page lists application procedures and where to submit but specific fee amounts or form numbers are not specified on the cited pages. Contact Planning for the current application packet, fee schedule, and electronic or in-person submission instructions Planning - Community Development^[2].

How enforcement works

Inspection typically follows a complaint or permit review. If a violation is found the city may issue a notice to comply, a citation, or an order to remedy. Appeals and administrative reviews are available through the city process; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the Planning Division or the code enforcement office.

Recordkeeping: retain permit approvals, arborist reports, and planting plans.
Appeals: ask Planning about hearing bodies and deadlines; time limits not specified on the cited page.

Keep photographic records before and after any work near regulated trees.

Action steps for property owners and contractors

Confirm whether the tree is in a public right-of-way or area regulated by the city.
Request the official permit application from Planning and submit required documents (site plan, photos, arborist report if requested).
Pay applicable permit fees and monitoring deposits as required by the Planning Division fee schedule.
Allow inspection and follow any required mitigation, replacement, or protection measures.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?: It depends on location, size, and whether the tree impacts public right-of-way or protected species; contact the Planning Division to confirm.
How long does a permit take?: Processing times vary by complexity; check the Planning Division page for current timelines and expedited review options.
What if the city removes a hazardous tree?: The city may remove immediate hazards in the public right-of-way and may bill the adjacent property owner if removal is due to private property conditions; contact Code Enforcement for a formal determination.

How-To

Check whether the tree is on private property or in the public right-of-way and note its species and diameter.
Contact the Planning Division to request the tree permit application and fee schedule.
Prepare required documents: site plan, photos, and an arborist report if requested by staff.
Submit the application and fees to Planning and schedule any required inspections.
Complete any mitigation or replacement planting required by the permit and retain documentation of compliance.

Key Takeaways

Always check with Planning before trimming or removing trees near streets or sidewalks.
Contact Code Enforcement for complaints or suspected illegal removals.
Keep permits and arborist reports to avoid fines or replacement orders.